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Question
Dear Fr. Timothy,
I am a young woman who hails from India - a country which is rather rigid when it comes to religion. Usually, we Indians are 'born' into our religions and conversions, especially in the upper strata of society, are extremely rare - and often a source of shame for the families concerned. I hail from a Hindu family but I went to Catholic school, to Adoration, to Mass.... you know... and I really want to be a Catholic. But I am a married woman (marriages in India are arranged, by the way!) and a mother and receiving Baptism publicly is totally out of the question. But I do pray regularly, go to church whenever i can so I can just be part of the Mass, go visit the Blessed Sacrament whenever possible... do all I can within my limits. My husband is a very loving man who doesnt mind any of this (which is absolutely, amazingly lovely of him because very very few men in my country would do that. I have a cousin who made his wife take off her favorite earrings because they resembled a cross!) but as i told you earlier - being received into the church formally might cause him a lot of heartache... Can you suggest anything? At least how I can nourish my faith....
Hi, Micki:
Thank God that your husband is a loving man who is tolerant and supportive of your desires to be a Catholic. Since this is a delicate situation, I would have to recommend that you approach the local Parish Priest in whatever manner this is done in Indian culture, in order to see about receiving Baptism & Confirmation, and the ability to receive Holy Communion when you are allowed and able to assist at Mass. Can I presume that you do not participate in the worship of any other gods, apart from the One God, Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? This is important, for the True God is not merely one of many gods. I wish you every best success in responding in whatevere manner is possible for you to God and His Holy Catholic Church. May God bless you!
Fr. Timothy Johnson
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Answers by Expert:
Fr. Timothy Johnson
Expertise
A Traditional Catholic Priest, validly and licitly ordained, incardinated legally and canonically in the Diocese of Fargo, and in good-standing with my Local Ordinary (Bishop) on active assignment at a rural Tri-Parish. I can provide honest and balanced answers to questions on topics pertaining to Traditional Roman Catholicism of the Latin Church (Councils of Trent and Vatican II)and a lot about the Eastern Catholic Churches, including the Sacred Liturgy, Sacred Scripture, Church History, the use of the Latin language, the tradition of Sacred Music, and current events in the Catholic Church from a traditional, historical and balanced perspective.
Experience
I have been ordained a Roman Catholic Priest since June 2001.
Organizations
Knights of Columbus; Church Music Association of America (CMAA)
Education/Credentials
Ordained Priest, 02 JUN 2001; Ordained Deacon, 27 JAN 2001; MA - Dogmatic/Systematic Theology;
MDiv - Professional Degree from Seminary;
2-Years formation with Canons Regular of Premontre including studies and experience in Sacred Liturgy, Chant, Latin, Sacraments, Spirituality.
BA - Scholastic/Thomistic Philosophy;
BA - Liberal Arts;
AA - General Studies.
Past/Present Clients
I serve 3-small, rural Parish Communities in Easter North Dakota
I converted to the Roman Catholic Church in 1981, at the age of 15.
Over the years I have done work as an organist, cantor, and choir director for the Latin Rite (English & Latin) Mass (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and even for the Hours of the Divine Office.
I have worked as a cantor for a Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church.
Presently my pastoral and administrative duties as a Catholic Priest do not allow me as much time as I used to have to devote to Sacred Music; but for my weekend Masses and Solemnities within my Tri-Parish, I offer High Sung Mass in English. Weekday Mass is typically Low Mass (recited Mass) in English, though on occasion I will offer the "Tridentine Mass" in Latin, which I usually offer on my "Day Off", as well. And now, in light of the "Motu Proprio" by his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI placing the extraordinary usage of the Roman Rite back into the mainstream of the Catholic Church, I have been offering a regularly scheduled SUN, 2:00 PM Tridentine Latin Mass with a community of the faithful that has a stable existence.
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